I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter. I wish to express the concern of the people of Nenagh and surrounding communities about the future of their hospital. While the budget overrun of £374,000 is not excessive, the lack of clarity in the response of the health board to the reasons for it and how it will be addressed are causes of anxiety. A number of years ago Nenagh Hospital was threatened with closure and any difficulty encountered by it immediately raises the possibility that the hospital is being downgraded and its future is uncertain.
Public representatives know that in a community a hospital is not just a building or a set of figures on a page. It is an important part of any community, particularly to the elderly. It is unfortunate that the elderly in North Tipperary are most vulnerable due to this budget overrun. The elderly assessment unit is now subject to intermittent opening which has added to the climate of uncertainty. I know from my friends, neighbours and relatives how important it is to them to be able to visit their elderly relatives in Nenagh and not to have to go to Portlaoise or Limerick. It also makes a difference to the patient to know their neighbours can visit every day and take care of their emotional as well as physical needs. I want clarification on the future of the elderly assessment unit and on how the budget overrun will be dealt with.
Twelve temporary nurses have been placed on protective notice. The issue of how the female workforce in the caring professions is treated has been raised in a number of contexts. Unsurprisingly, the female workforce has become more vocal about its rights and future. There are nurses in my family and everyone knows the level of commitment given by them to their patients must be applauded, recognised and acknowledged. That is why there is generally a negative reaction when even temporary staff are issued with protective notice. The situation has been made more uncertain by the fact that there was a possibility of permanent jobs being made available.
In the context of the earlier debate on the report of the Ombudsman and the issue of information, the health board could have been more helpful in their communications. Three paragraph statements which raise more questions than they answer are no way to deal with the fears and uncertainties created in a community. I appeal to officials in the health board to remember that when they are dealing with reporters, journalists, members of the public and public representatives they should be forthcoming with information and dispel the climate of uncertainty and people's fears.
